Satya or truthfulness is the next one. Staying truthful means not exaggerating and not gossiping. When we teach our children not to copy another’s homework or take credit for someone else’s work we are practicing satya. Living an authentic life and uncovering the truth about our selves and how we operate is another level of satya.

Asteya is the third yama and is known as non-stealing. It includes the practice of gratitude. Take time to be grateful each day for the gifts of your life. It also is a spirit of being unselfish and a willingness to share. Not stealing is pretty clear, not taking something, whether it is a material item, an idea or credit for that project that someone else thought of. Giving credit where it is deserved. Plus, being a gracious loser and a good sport in athletic competitions is the practice of asteya.
Yoga has a rich philosophy that includes much more than just the physical postures. Today I will talk about the yamas and niyamas of yoga. These are about the character building and lifestyle that embracing yoga fully teaches.

The yamas are also known as controls and restraints. There are five yamas. Ahimsa or nonviolence is the first one. You are encouraged to live a nonviolent lifestyle by being kind to others, by encouraging your children to play well with others and by learning to forgive others and not hold on to grudges. Ahimsa also encourages you to be nonviolent when it comes to our environment. Put litter where it belongs, learn to use less and create less trash, use recyclables when possible. In other words, be responsible and caring toward the environment.

The niyamas are known as observations. Shaucha or purity is the first one. It means you take care of yourself physically. You eat healthy foods; you play outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air and just being in nature to reconnect. You get enough exercise and rest. One practice of shaucha that is very helpful in the allergy season is the use of the neti pot. This is a nasal cleansing system that flushes allergens from the sinus areas. They are available at health food stores and even drugstores these days.

Santosha is the second niyama and it is the practice of contentment. When you look for the happiness in the gift of each day you are contented. When you don’t compare yourself to others but celebrate your unique gifts and contributions you are in santosha.

Letting go of the need to have things go your way or the immense letdown when they don’t is cultivating this practice.

Tapas is next and means the practice of cultivating responsibility. You will do your choirs as a child without being constantly reminded. You cultivate good decision making abilities which are good for yourself and for others. You exercise self discipline when it comes to handling money. You don’t live above your means in a constant state of debt. You don’t mindlessly watch TV, rather you pick up a good book to stimulate your mental capabilities.

Svadhyaya is the practice of self-study and self-observation and is the fourth niyama. Keeping a daily journal and being aware of your emotional as well as your intellectual health is one way to practice svadhyaya. It means setting reasonable goals and going about your day with balance. Not being a workaholic or taking on more than you can handle. Realizing your strengths and your weaknesses and being honest with yourself as you grow each day.

The last one is known as ishwarapranidhana. This is known as surrendering to your spiritual nature. Becoming aware that there is a source of love and goodness in the world and through conscious living you can connect with that source. This is the practice of serving others through a desire to help make the world a better place for everyone. Seeing the similarities rather than the differences and building upon that.

The yamas and niyamas help you to live responsibly in this world. Incorporating them into your life brings more joy, more peace and more inner happiness. Therein lies your source of true wellness.

Number four is brahmacharya or moderation. This is being socially responsible in your relationships as well as your lifestyle. If you are practicing brahmacharya you are faithful to one partner. You obey rules of society and are considerate of others’ needs.

Aparigraha is the last of the yamas. It is defined as non-possessiveness. It also means non-attachment. It means that you don’t need a lot of stuff to be happy. You have let go of the needless pursuit of having more and more and are mindful before making purchases. It also means you are willing to let go of the stuff that you no longer need. Plus, it is taking care of what you do need and to use it wisely. You are not attached to any outcome in life; rather you go with the flow of life and move forward regardless.